Two tourist trains traveling along the railway to Peru’s famed Machu Picchu archaeological complex collided on Tuesday afternoon, injuring about 30 passengers, according to local authorities. The crash occurred near Qoriwayrachina, another historical site located along the route between the ancient citadel and the city of Cuzco. Officials said rail services were immediately halted as emergency teams responded to the scene and assessed the damage. Police described the incident as a significant disruption to one of the country’s most heavily used tourist corridors. While the exact cause remains under review, authorities noted that the collision highlighted the inherent risks associated with high traffic on narrow mountain routes. Video footage showed visibly damaged train cars, reinforcing concerns about infrastructure vulnerability in remote areas with difficult terrain.

The railway operator stated that one train was departing Machu Picchu while another was approaching when the crash took place. The line serves as the primary access route for visitors traveling to the UNESCO World Heritage site, which receives approximately 1.5 million tourists each year. Experts have long warned that increasing visitor numbers place cumulative pressure on transportation systems supporting heritage tourism. Political protests and management disputes have previously caused service interruptions, adding to operational strain. Officials emphasized the imperative of reviewing safety protocols to prevent future incidents while maintaining access to culturally significant destinations. Authorities said inspections would continue before services resume.